Shopping in Istanbul

[mrri77]

I may be compelled to visit Istanbul shortly for business reasons. Does anyone know if there is any particulary good shopping in this city? Are there any unique brands, tailors, or cobblers offering clothing and shoes different from what can be purchased in the US or Europe? Thanks for the information.

 

[Ivan Kipling]

Oh, how exciting. Can't help you with specific shops, but don't miss the Topkapi Museum! Their gift shoppe is probably a real, pleasure.

 

[Leaveitothexperts]

Never been there but I've always thought that if I were to go I would be sure to check out Sebata shoes.

http://www.sebata.com/contact.php

This is a selfish reply; please do bring feedback and if you can pics!

 

[designprofessor]

It was some years back when I was there. I can't offer good tips on clothes, but in the old bazaar you'll find all kinds of interesting things. i left Istanbul with a bracelet, a pill box, a sheepskin jacket (not the best quality).
go to the old part of town- an exotic experience.

 

[Tomasso]

Something about hashish. But, I forget

 

[DM.ru]

...turkish origin prada for 10$ at the local market (bazaar)

 

[johnapril]

I love Istanbul. I would focus less on shopping and try to soak up the atmosphere. Do what you can to spend a couple extra days and wander the city on foot. You won't be disappointed.

 

[johnapril]

Originally Posted by designprofessor

It was some years back when I was there. I can't offer good tips on clothes, but in the old bazaar you'll find all kinds of interesting things. i left Istanbul with a bracelet, a pill box, a sheepskin jacket (not the best quality).
go to the old part of town- an exotic experience.

Ottoman-era clocks: $40,000.

 

[pinchi22]

Derby double edge razor blades. Really good stuff on your vintage late 1940s´s Gillette!

 

[Kent Wang]

I still call it Constantinople.

 

[babygreenspots]

What about buying fabric there? Turkey produces good cotton.

 

[ysc]

Don't bother shopping if you are Istanbul for the first time, well shop at the bazaars, but don't bother tramping around looking at menswear till you have seen some of the sights.

 

[JibranK]

Originally Posted by mrri77

I may be compelled to visit Istanbul shortly for business reasons. Does anyone know if there is any particulary good shopping in this city? Are there any unique brands, tailors, or cobblers offering clothing and shoes different from what can be purchased in the US or Europe? Thanks for the information.
You'll be much happier if you go wearing a bespoke two button mid-grey suit with narrow lapels and a slight military cut with a white Sea Island shirt and a knit tie whilst carrying a Brigg briefcase.

 

[babygreenspots]

Do they sell fabric in the bazaar?

 

[The Snob]

Oh, Istanbul! Such a wonderful city. I was just there this summer. The touristy stuff is all in/around Sultanahmet (sp)--this includes the Grand Bazaar which you'll have to hit up. Great rugs and jewelry just don't get scammed.

For high fashion, Istanbul actually has a fairly hoity-toity area called (uh.. the name escapes me). It's where all the big chain foreign hotels are (Hyatt, Hilton, etc) across the Bosphorus from Sultanahmet.
There is lots of Hussein Chalayan to be had.